Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Visitors to the Olive Ridley nesting places are kindly asked by the Principal CCF (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden of Odisha to refrain from disturbing this endangered species or packing the nesting sites too full. He has mandated that all nesting locations remain closed to tourists until the hatching process is finished.
“It is observed that visitors to mass nesting sites of Olive Ridley sea turtles to observe the phenomena of nesting and hatching emergence are using bright lights for observation and photography/videography of the turtles,” stated the Principal CCF (L) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha, in an official release. In certain instances, improper visitor conduct is also noted. The regular process of turtle nesting and hatching would be disrupted by these actions combined with overcrowding the nesting locations.
“Olive Ridley turtles are protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the aforementioned activities fall within the definition of ‘hunting’ in accordance with Section 2(16) of the Act, which is prohibited,” the release continued.
In light of these, the Principal CCF has mandated that all Olive Ridley sea turtle mass nesting sites be immediately blocked to outside visitors during the nesting season, until the hatchlings have fully emerged.
